Bundaberg residents hit with 4.89% hike as mayor Blackburn battles $11 million deficit

Just 12 weeks into her first term, Bundaberg Mayor Helen Blackburn emphasised the council’s commitment to financial stability and addressing the immediate needs of the community.

Bundaberg council increases rates by 4.89% in new $114.2 million budget to address deficit and community needs.

Bundaberg ratepayers will need to dig deeper, after the council lifted rates an average of 4.89 per cent at its $114.2 million 2024-25 budget.

Just 12 weeks into her first term, Bundaberg Mayor Helen Blackburn emphasised the council’s commitment to financial stability and addressing the immediate needs of the community.

Ms Blackburn revealed a $17 million deficit through briefings in April, and hinted the council would have to cut back on non-essential projects and services in order to balance the budget.

She said the council was focused on reducing that deficit.

Bundaberg residents face a 4.89% rate increase as the council unveils a new budget to address a $17 million deficit and prioritise essential services.

The council did not expect to break even this year, with Ms Blackburn saying it expected to run at an operational loss of $11 million.

“In a difficult economic climate, we’ve delivered a moderate rates increase out of necessity to begin repairing the budget.”

The council’s efforts to reduce costs have resulted in a more than $5 million reduction from the projected deficit, avoiding an even higher rate increase.

“Our finance team provides scenario modelling which puts this into perspective – if we didn’t identify these savings to the budget, our community was facing a 15 per cent rates increase.”

With no new borrowings projected this financial year, she said the council aimed to reduce the burden on ratepayers while focusing on essential services like roads, rubbish, and community services.